Curb misuse of CDF

Unless voters take interest in their money, Kenyans will not get far with development.

Unfortunately, the CDF picture is likely to be replicated at the county level.

Voters should watch the CDF and root out the MPs whose constituencies perform poorly, instead of elevating them into county leadership.

The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has played a key role in the development of the country since 2004. Where the money has been used well, this has become a proven means of redistributing income to the periphery.

However, some constituencies have opted to become a clear example of the dangers inherent in devolution.

According to a survey of 10 constituencies by lobby National Taxpayers Association (NTA), Sh92 million went to waste—either stolen, tied in white elephants or unaccounted for.

The NTA said traditionally good performers continue to do well as bad ones deteriorate. It is easy to get excuses for the wastage as Kenyans are wont to.

But the sad reality is that people get the leadership they deserve, which is aptly illustrated under the CDF at a localised level. Unless voters take interest in their money, Kenyans will not get far with development.

Unfortunately, the CDF picture is likely to be replicated at the county level. Voters should watch the CDF and root out the MPs whose constituencies perform poorly, instead of elevating them into county leadership.

At the same time the authorities must pay attention and arrest those responsible for the loss.

This is the only way to ensure that the larger kitty available under devolution system from next year does not go to waste.